This post is a my review and experience staying at the RIU Ocho Rios as a solo traveler. This site contains affiliate links, for all the details view the disclosure here.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica. You keep calling my name, and I keep answering.
For the last several years, for one reason or another, I have found myself back on the island in December. December 2025 was no exception. But I’ll be honest – this time, I hesitated. After the devastation of the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, I wasn’t sure if a trip was the right move. Was the island ready? Was it too soon?
They absolutely are. Welcoming back past and new guest to the island. Jamaica thrives on tourism. Between my deep love for the island, a few meetings I needed to take, showing up felt like the best way to show support.
Now, I did not expect to be checking into the RIU Ocho Rios. My original plan was a staying in town at an Airbnb – but West Jet and Air Canada must have lost their minds with these flight prices. Because, the math was not mathing.
A one-way ticket was hitting $1,700 (the audacity), so with my bank account in mind I ended up scoring an an all-inclusive package for practically the same price. Oh, and did I mention? I was doing this trip solo. I haven’t done a solo all-inclusive in a few years and doing it in Jamaica would be very interesting.
Getting to Riu Ocho Rios: Flights, Costs & Transfers
Where: RIU Ocho Rios, Mammee Bay, St. Ann
Cost: ~$1,800 CAD / $1,400 USD (Solo Supplement included)
Agency: SellOffVacations
The flight left departed Toronto (YYZ) at 7 AM and landed in Montego Bay at noon. Lucky me, I got upgraded to Premium Economy (Seat 3A) so I ended having a lot of leg room, a bigger seat, meal service and drinks. Yay me or should I say us! That’s where I met Crystal – the woman sitting beside me – more on her later. She had been upgraded too.
We landed in Montego Bay at noon and the airport was dead. Getting through customs, immigration and collecting my bags was super quick. One of the perks of travelling to an all inclusive is they handle your transfers from the airport to the property. In this case it was Nexus Tours handles this for Sunwing Vacations. I didn’t arrive in Ocho Rios until after 3:00 PM. It’s a 90-minute drive, but plan for a three-hour travel day.
THE ROOM Review: Garden Suite
Rating: 7/10
Since I’ve stayed at the Riu several times before I did ask for an upgrade. Unfortunately, I didn’t get one – they were at capacity. I was kinda shocked but this is a good thing for Jamaica.
First Impressions: The room was big. For a solo traveler it was great! Two big beds, two sinks, a huge closet, a stocked mini-bar, astand up shower and a balcony. You could easily fit a family of 4 in there or share with 1-3 others on a girls trip..
The Reality Check: However, you could see some wear and tear. If you’re used to cruise ships (which, in my opinion, maintain their cabins much better), you might find the room a bit tired. It was clean and bug-free, which are very important to me. Plus, the AC was strong, the beds were firm with plenty of pillows and they had black out curtains. The recipe for great nights of sleep.
Solo Travel and Making New Friends
Here is the funny thing about solo travel: you are rarely alone for long.
Remember when I told you that I got upgraded on the plane. Well, while I was doing my usual routine of sanitizing my seat and surroundings, I ended up meeting and chatting it up with the woman next to me, Crystal. Turns out, she was staying at the same resort with her two kids.
By the time we landed, we were basically travel besties. Even though I booked this as a solo retreat, I ended up eating most of my dinners with Crystal and her family. It was the perfect balance—I had my solo time and a built-in squad to hang out with throughout my stay.
Dining at RIU Ocho Rios: Buffet & Restaurants
Let’s talk food. At an all-inclusive, you have to be strategic.
The Buffet (6/10): Get there right when it opens. If you go later, the food is picked over and tired. There was lots of selection, but the quality was just okay. I wanted it to be better.
The Specialty Restaurants:
- The Jerk Center (Winner): The chicken was delicious and flavourful. The chef made it an experience – he was entertained and knew how to cook. I would also recommend getting the jerk pork and burgers. Plus you can get rice and peas, gravy and sausages too!
- The Steakhouse (7/10): We ate here twice. The cheese sticks are a must-order. I had a striploin (medium-rare) that was decent, but let’s be real, you don’t go to Jamaica for the steak.
- Piacenza (Italian) (7/10): We ate here the most. The lasagna was ok. I enjoyed indulging in the cheeses, the pasta, the rosé and the salads.
- The Kulinarium: (7/10) Order the pumpkin soup and the lobster rice. Yum.
- The Asian Restaurant: A hard pass. Food was over cooked. I ate there once and never went back.
The “Must-Have” Snack: Keep an eye out for the groundsmen in green walking around with fresh Jelly Coconuts. They’ll chop the top off with a machete right in front of you. I enjoyed sipping fresh coconut water in the pool and and eating the jelly after.
The Drinks: What to Order
The drinks at RIU Ocho Rios? They did not miss. There are tons of bars—swim-up bars, the Dunn’s River Bar, the Sports Bar—and the bartenders are friendly, especially if you tip well at the start of your trip. They will remember you.
- The Remix: I asked for a Mojito with Wray & Nephew White Rum (overproof!). The mint hit different with that kick.
- The Crowd Pleasers: The Jamaica Smile (wish I found this sooner), the Strawberry Lemon Drop, and the Haffi Come Back (whiskey-based).
- The “If You Know You Know”: The Pink Puss* Shot. It’s delicious.
Pro Tip: Ask the bartender what their specialty is. Don’t just order the menu—let them make you what they’re famous for.
Resort Activities: Pools, Parties & Beach
Because I’ve been traveling to Jamaica and have been to a ton of since I was a little girl, I didn’t feel the pressure to leave the resort every day. This trip was about healing, not hustling.
The Beach: The beach at Mammee Bay is nice. They maintain the beachfront well. It’s clean, water is warm and the tide is calm. There are some seaweed patches but lots of places without.
I struggle with eczema, and honestly, the Caribbean Sea is the best skincare routine I know. I’m hoping that it will help to clear up some of my current inflammation.
The Entertainment: RIU is known for high-energy vibes, lots of reggae and dancehall – my fav
- The Parties: The White Party lights, music, dancers, the works. The Beach Party gave pure Dancehall vibes, which I loved.
- The Shows: Evenings were filled with karaoke, game shows, and skits. Not really my thing but it’s something to do if you don’t want to go to bed early.
- The Photo Ops: Make sure to take pics at the “RIU Ocho Rios” swing on the beach and the Riu hedge in the garden.
The Hidden Gem (Bamboo Blue Massage on the beach): Skip the overpriced resort spa. I walked down the beach to Bamboo Blue (which is right next door) and got a 60-minute massage right on the sand for $60 USD. I tipped her $20 because she took her time and gave me a nice, relaxing rub down.
Excursions Near Ocho Rios: My Top Recommendations
Since I didn’t leave the property much this time, here is my “OG” list of recommendations for anyone visiting Ocho Rios for the first time.
- Skip Dunn’s River, Go to Blue Hole: Listen, I’ve been going to Dunn’s River Falls since I was a kid. It’s iconic, but it’s crowded. The Blue Hole has a magic that is hard to explain. Pro Tip: Get a guide, wear swim shoes, and grab a life jacket if you aren’t a strong swimmer.
- Rio Nuevo Village: Go here for white water rafting or zip-lining.
- Spanish Bridge: If you can find a driver to take you (it’s a bit of a hidden gem), this spot is beautiful.
- Chukka Tours: If you want an organized adventure (ATVs, horseback riding), they run a tight ship.
The Food Tour
- Juicy Patties: Do not leave the island without getting a beef patty and coco bread. It is a must. I do prefer them over Tastee Patty
- Stush in the Bush: For a high-end, farm-to-table experience.
- Miss T’s Kitchen: Great authentic Jamaican food in town.
- KFC: I know, who comes to Jamaica for fried chicken but trust me the locals loves it here. And for some reason it does taste different from the ones in the US and Canada. Expect a LONG wait but it’s worth it. I usually order the Spicy Zinger Box.
- Roadside Fruit: It was mango and pineapple season when I went. If you see a vendor selling “Sugar Pine” stop the car – they’re sweet like candy.
The Truth About Going Solo
If you are hovering over the “Book” button but feeling nervous, let’s address the elephant in the room.
Is it actually safe for a woman to be alone here? Absolutely. I felt completely secure walking the grounds, day or night. The hallways are well-lit, the security presence is visible, and the rooms have double locks. Between the secure resort and the direct Nexus Tours transfer from the airport, I felt safe the entire time.
Will I feel like a “Third Wheel” around couples? Honestly, this isn’t really a “honeymoon” resort. I met people from Milan, work groups, girls’ trips, guys’ trips, and families. Because the crowd is so diverse, you don’t stick out as a solo traveler.
Is eating alone awkward? Only if you make it awkward. I often ate lunch solo and the staff were great. If you don’t meet a “vacation bestie” like I did, just bring your phone or a book.
What if I get bored? That is entirely up to you. You design the trip. If you want to join the pool games, talk to strangers, or go on tours, you will be busy. If you want to hide under a palm tree and not speak to a soul, you can do that too.
Is the “Solo Supplement” worth it? Listen, I will never be happy about paying a solo supplement. But, c’est la vie.
Final Verdict: Is RIU Ocho Rios Solo Approved?
I’ll be honest: The RIU wasn’t my first choice. I wanted to stay at the Airbnb and do my thing, but surprisingly, I had a really good time.
However, I do think I had the “Luck Factor.” I don’t know how my trip would have been as a solo traveler had I not met Crystal on the plane. Having a built-in friend definitely changed the vibe. If I hadn’t met her, I might have felt a little more lost in the crowd.
Who This Resort Is For:
- The Solo Traveler who wants friends: It is very easy to strike up a conversation here.
- Girls’ & Guys’ Trips: The nightlife and drink options make it perfect for a squad.
- Families: It’s built for kids and parents to coexist happily.
Who Should Skip It: If RIU feels too commercial, here is where you should go instead:
- For Adults-Only Luxury: Go next door to Sandals Dunn’s River or check out Couples Sans Souci / Couples Tower Isle. They offer an upscale, all-inclusive experience that is much quieter.
- For Old School Glam: Try Jamaica Inn. It’s not all-inclusive, but the service is impeccable and accommodations are supberb.
- For Rustic Charm (my personal fave): If you want to feel like you aren’t even in a hotel, book the Tumbleweed Cottage in Uptown Ocho Rios. It’s quaint, with an outdoor shower and a pool that makes you feel like you’re swimming in a fresh water pond. Stefan is a fantastic host and has really created a special space.
A Note on the Brand: The RIU Empire
The RIU is a Spanish-owned powerhouse, and they have footprints all over the island. I have personally stayed at the RIU Negril, the Riu Tropical Bay, and this is my second visti to the one here in Ocho Rios. They also recently opened the Riu Palace Aquarelle in Falmouth, plus they have the Montego Bay trio (Riu Montego Bay, Riu Reggae, and Riu Palace Jamaica).
What that tells me is that there is a high demand for this sort of property. But let’s not assume they are all the same! Definitely do your research, watch YouTube and pick and choose which location fits the type of travel you’re interested in doing. While the brand is the same, I bet you the vibes are different.
Final Thoughts
Jamaica did not disappoint. The weather was beautiful. The people were hospitable. The vibes were great. Grateful to have spent another December on the beautiful island of Jamaica.At the end of the day, I’m glad I went.
